Energy Direct debit review. just say no :)

jennyjj

Hi,
Maybe you already know this, but when you pay your Energy by Direct Debit, you may receive a shocking annual review where they hugely increase your monthly payment; I just got mine and EDF had kindly decided that my £145 a month should become £229 a month! :eek:
Erm. No thank you!
In the review letter, it seems that I'd used about £1700 worth of energy and they expected that I'd use about £2100 or so over the next twelve months.
Well, £2100/12 is sure as hell not £229
It seems they like to err in their favour, especially if you underpaid slightly.
So I rang Customer services equipped with my review, current meter readings, and a debit card just in case paying off that underpayment was required.
I told the advisor that I'd rather not pay £229 a month and expected some sort of discussion to ensue.
He just said, shall we leave it at £145 then!?!
I was a bit taken aback and actually said that rather than build up a debt, £150 would suit me fine.
Job done! my cash flow now improves to the tune of £79 per month.
Don't get me wrong, this isn't about saving on cost, it's about controlling my own cash flow. But at the cost of a short free phone call, it was well worth doing.

So. If you get a direct debit annual review, the moral is don't just ignore it, or take it. Just say no.

They were just trying it on and in this case backed down with no argument at all.:cool:

Jenny

InsertWittyName

Very true.

I'd be a little concerned about the fact that your usage is £150 a month though, that's twice mine! (2 adults, 2 kids, 3 bed semi).

backfoot

You may be interested in this thread.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/50958085#Comment_50958085

jennyjj

InsertWittyName wrote: »

Very true.

I'd be a little concerned about the fact that your usage is £150 a month though, that's twice mine! (2 adults, 2 kids, 3 bed semi).

Thanks,
Yes I am. it's a fairly big detached house only recently insulated. And we like it warm and cosey. But you're right, I guess we should look at a more modern boiler, or maybe some solar panels or something.

JJ